The information below is intended to assist you as you consider your travel options with Explore. In addition to the detailed itinerary each tour has been supported with some useful information to provide you with an overview of your accommodation & meals, all things money, passports, visas, vaccinations, insurance, clothing, personal equipment and much more to help you with your travel preparations.

Tour notes

Each departure date has it's own dedicated tour note, detailing all you need to know about that tour. Whether you've already booked, or weighing up your options, please choose carefully the relevant itinerary for you.

We have the following different versions of the Yellowstone And Western Trails tour available at present.

You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and
items of a personal nature such as laundry.

Food

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide.Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

USA

Lunch £:
15.00

Dinner £:
21.00

Drink

The prices for drinks can vary greatly depending upon location and the prices detailed below are an average guide. In general you would expect that drinks purchased in a supermarket or local bar to be less expensive, whilst drinks in an upmarket bar or restaurant may be more expensive.

Tipping - Local Crew

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly you should allow US$ 40 for tipping.

In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Foreign Exchange

USA

ATM Availability:
Widely available.

Credit Card Acceptance:
Widely accepted just about everywhere.

Travellers Cheques:
Travellers Cheques can be used just about everywhere, although local stores are not keen to change anything over $50.

Local Currency:
US Dollars.

Recommended Currency for Exchange:
Bring your money in US$ cash or Travellers Cheques which can be used almost everywhere

Where to Exchange:
Banks or 'Forex' offices in main towns/cities. Your tour leader will advise you on arrival.

Visa Information

USA: Visas are not required for UK, US, Canadian, New Zealand and Australian citizens.
Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air on a carrier participating in the visa waiver scheme, holding a return/ onward ticket. The passport requirements are that it must be machine readable, and must contain a digital photograph of the holder and also an integrated circuit chip that stores biographic information.

All passengers travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme must provide their details online no later than 72 hours prior to travel. British travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely to be detained and sent home.

In addition to passport information, you must also supply the full address of your first night's accommodation in the USA. This information can be obtained from your joining instructions which are sent out approximately 3 weeks before travel. Anyone applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ESTA) to travel under the Visa Waiver system will be charged a fee of 14USD (9GBP).

For more information, and to apply online, please visit the following website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Once obtained, the application will be valid for a period of two years, or for the validity of your passport (whichever is shorter).

For more information about who is eligible for the VWP, or any other questions you may have regarding your eligibility, or machine readable passports, please contact your local consular office, or visit www.usembassy.org.uk

All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

Vaccinations & Protection

USA

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A.
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

Additional Information for your trekking Tour

Climate

USA

There are great variations in the altitude and terrain of the areas visited and this is reflected in the temperatures. Desert areas can be extremely hot in the summer months (49°), though temperatures can drop dramatically at night. The mountains are cooler and wetter especially in the north of the Rockies. At the beginning and end of the season there may still be some snow around in the high passes and it can be cold, whereas in mid-summer the day time temperatures can soar.

Trekking Details

This is an 11-day trek with an average of 4 to 6 hours walking each day. We have graded the walks as moderate with more challenging options available.

Equipment

Bring a water bottle (3 litre capacity), high factor sunblock, plastic bags to keep things dry and a (head) torch and a towel. Please also bring a 2 or 3-season (temperature –5°C to 0°C) sleeping bag (a sleeping sheet is useful). A good-quality self-inflatable sleeping mat is provided. You may find a walking pole useful. Please note: Sleeping bags can be purchased for approximately US $50. Please ask your Tour Leader on arrival.

Footwear

Clothing

Pack essentially for extreme hot conditions and cold conditions, depending on time of year due to range of altitudes covered during tour. A warm fleece or sweater, hat and gloves are essential for cooler nights in the mountains. Include a long sleeved shirt and warm trousers. A waterproof jacket is essential. We also recommend swimwear, sunglasses and a sun hat.

Luggage: On Tour

Bring only the bare essentials - one main bag plus a small daypack for walking and for personal items. Main luggage cannot be accessed during the day. Soft luggage is more practical. Bring plastic bags to keep things dry. Laundry facilities are available at various points during the trip.